Classes


Fall/Winter/Spring 2019-2020

Tuesday Nights
We are offering several classes and workshops for the 2019-2020 season.

  • New Mainstream (Beginner) Class: 9/10/2019-5/19/2020
  • Advanced Workshop: 9/10/2019-5/19/2020
  • Plus Class: 1/7/2020-5/19/2020
  • Challenge 1 Workshop: 10/8/2019-5/19/2020

For more details, please refer to the detailed programming descriptions below.

Time and Location

All Tuesday night classes/dances/workshops run from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m and are held at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion. We use the entrance at 2111 Sansom St., Philadelphia, PA.

Class/Workshop Descriptions

Classes vs Workshops

What is a Workshop?

A workshop is a session that works on reinforcing and expanding the concepts you already know at that program. On a given night the content varies, typically based on what the dancers want to work on. For example, one week the Plus workshop might spend a little time reviewing “Relay the Deucey” or “Crossfire”, while the Advanced Workshop takes a closer look at on “All 8” figures, or the Challenge I Workshop might work on those pesky “Magic”, “Siamese” and “Phantom” Calls or whatever our dancers ask for in review. Or, if no one has any particular requests, it might look a lot like a dance or focus on whatever trouble spots present themselves on club nights or at Saturday dances throughout the year.

While we’d love to see you every week, workshops are not classes that build from week to week with new content, and you do not have to attend every one to have a successful workshop experience. That said, our callers are always working to help you hone your skills, build your confidence on the floor, and help to avoid common errors our Callers might encounter elsewhere in their travels so you can be prepared for dancing any floor – anywhere. Each week will have a specific focus that might just help with that bug-a-boo call that’s recently given you grief. You never know!

What is a Regular Class?

Each class night builds on the previous class night. We can usually bring people up to speed if they miss the first, and maybe the second night of class, but joining a class that is already in progress after that is not recommended if you have no prior square dance experience. While we ask that students make every effort to attend all classes, we realize that life sometimes interferes. So, given a good effort on your part, we’ll certainly accomodate you if you absolutely have to miss an evening once in a while.

Mainstream Class (Beginner)
9/10/2019-5/19/2020 with Joe Bradshaw
(no class 11/26, 12/24, and 12/31)

If you’ve already joined us for one (or more) of this year’s Summer Open Houses, then you already know how fun Modern Western Square Dancing can be! And if not, then this is your opportunity to learn for yourself in a fun and welcoming environment. Our instructor will take you step by step through the first stages of learning how to dance all of the calls on the CALLERLAB Mainstream list. And once you’re through, you will be able to square dance anywhere in the world! And it’s not only fun, but it’s good for you too.

NOTE: This class runs concurrently in one room with the Advanced class.

Plus Class
1/7/2020-5/19/2020 with Betsy Gotta

Our Plus class is a logical continuation for those who have attended our Mainstream workshop, or for anyone who has learned the Mainstream program and is ready for something new. Those wanting to refresh their Plus skills are also welcome.

NOTE: This class runs concurrently in one room with the C1 workshop.

2020-Independence-Squares-Plus-Class-Schedule-1Download

Advanced Workshop
9/10/2019-5/19/2020 with Joe Bradshaw
(no class 11/26, 12/24, and 12/31)

Our Advanced workshop is designed for those dancers who have been exposed to the full Advanced I and II set of calls and general concepts, and offers a chance to explore more complex formations, calls, and concepts. All calls on the Advanced I & II lists are covered.

NOTE: This class runs concurrently in one room with the Mainstream (Beginner) Class.

C1 Workshop
Tuesdays, 10/8/2019-5/19/2020 with Betsy Gotta
(no class 11/26, 12/24, and 12/31)

Who says Challenge dancers don’t have fun?

Explore the Challenge I program with a closer look at the list as a whole (instead of starting over where the last calls taught get comparatively little floor-time) and maybe even laugh with us while we delve deeper into the depth and breadth of the program. Dancers are expected to have been exposed to the full Challenge I set of calls and general concepts. You DO NOT need to be an “expert” Challenge I dancer to join this workshop. The workshop is designed to take the things that cannot realistically be covered in a typical class setting, as there are so many ways to apply the various concepts and extensive call configurations that exist in this rich program. Backed by Betsy Gotta’s 50+ years of calling experience, we couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to walk through the intricacies of our Challenge I experience. Let’s build our confidence with this program together!

NOTE: This class runs concurrently in one room with the Mainstream workshop/Plus class.

Independence-Sq-C1-Workshop-2019-2020-1Download

Prepayment

Prepayment includes all Tuesday classes and dances/workshops in a prepayment period. If prepayment is not paid by the second night of each prepayment period, the dancer must pay the payment-at-the-door rate through the remainder of the current period.

Prepayment is only available as a payment option to dues-paid club members (Independence Squares or other square dance clubs) and first-time Mainstream class students.

Prepayment and door fees will be posted by the end of the summer.

Dues

Dues are $45 annually for the period from June 1 through May 31 of the following year, whenever paid, and are due before – or at – the club’s annual meeting in the spring. All dancers are eligible for dues-paid club membership after completion of a full Mainstream program class. Each member owes dues whether or not he/she is taking a class and/or workshop. Dancers attending a Mainstream class for the first time do not owe dues.

Members who need assistance paying dues are welcome to speak confidentially with our treasurer.

Bad Weather Cancellation Policy

If Philadelphia schools have an early dismissal, are closed, or cancel afternoon or evening activities due to bad weather, then Tuesday night classes and workshops are cancelled. Some resources for finding out if schools are closed: